Extra Information:
Palm oil is the most widely used plant-based oil in the world. The Students’ Union stocks many products containing this oil, as it is found in everything ranging from cosmetics to chocolate. Unfortunately, its unregulated production is responsible for the mass destruction of some of the most pristine rainforests on the planet, namely in Malaysia. Whilst some suggest boycotting palm oil, it is significantly higher yielding than any other vegetable oil, meaning the land required to produce the same amount from another source would be much much greater.
The RSPO ensures that existing forest is protected, biodiversity is improved on plantations, and that people’s livelihoods are not sacrificed. We propose that The Students’ Union should commit to only supplying products containing palm oil that are Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certified – in order to protect both rainforests and their communities.
UWE is currently working alongside the Eden Project to improve the biodiversity of palm oil plantations using birds nest ferns, find out more below:
https://twitter.com/drfarnonellwood
http://www.ellwoodlab.com/research-.html
Info source: http://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-here/rainforest-biome/oil-palm-exhibit